Climbing the top ladder requires diligence but maintaining a record as tennis player with the longest world no.1 ranking requires assiduity. The racquet ball game of tennis has witnessed some breathtaking records. The history of the players is simply inspiring. The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) ascertains the rankings. It was introduced in 1973 for the first time.
According to an article published by David Langue, The Emirates ATP Rankings, colloquially called ‘the world rankings’, is a historical objective merit-based method used for determining entry and seeding in all tournaments for both singles and doubles’ according to the ATP. The ranking takes into account the results of the immediate past 52 weeks.
Let’s have a look at the top 5 players with the longest run atop the list. Behold readers, you are in for a surprise!
#5 Roger Federer
Roger Federer has won the ATP world ranking No. 1 for 310 weeks making him the first male to cross 300 weeks. He also held the position consecutively for 237 weeks. Federer, the Swiss maestro, dominated the era with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and were known as The Big Three.
He has been carving benchmarks with his impressive wins due to which he stands as the top 5 tennis players with longest world no.1 ranking.
#4 Serena Williams
Serena Williams summitted the rankings when she was only in her 20s. With 319 weeks to her name, she stands fourth as the tennis player with the longest world no.1 ranking. She achieved the feat for the first time in 2003 but only stood the ground for nearly a year.
Meanwhile she kept on adorning laurels to her hall of fame. Her poised serves and brilliant netplay propels her to where she is today. The 23 time grand slam winner is 2 titles away to pass Margaret Court and achieve the feat to be the player with most grand slams.
#3 Martina Navratilova
With 332 weeks, the Queen of Wimbledon, Martina Navratilova became the 3rd tennis player with the longest world no1 ranking. She has stood the spot for nearly three years and has had nine spells as No1.
Navratilova is amongst the only three women players to have achieved the Career Grand Slam Boxed Set. She was also the only player in history to hold top spot in both singles and doubles over 200 weeks.
#2 Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic first occupied the top spot after clinching his maiden Wimbledon title in 2011. Currently ranked as no 2 in the world, Djokovic is also the 2nd tennis player with the longest world no1 title.
Mustering a record of 361 weeks, he has also completed year end no 1 seven consecutive times. He is also the only male in the Open era to achieve the double career grand slam. Having carved 86 ATP titles to his name, her also holds a record of 37 Masters events.
#1 Stefi Graff
The tennis player with the longest world no1 ranking is the only golden slam winner, Stefi Graff. Despite the roller coaster-like career she had, her determination became her hallmark. She has a total record of 377 weeks as world no 1.
The German legend and a name to reckon, has 107 career titles to her name and is one of the tennis GOAT. She started achieving records right from her 17 years of age. The ‘Frauline Forehand’, is a versatile player and continues to have an unparalleled legacy.
Also read: Who Is The Tennis G.O.A.T ? Most Grand Slams In History
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